HomeDiabetesBe aware of signs of hyperglycemia to prevent complications.

Be aware of signs of hyperglycemia to prevent complications.

Diabetes is a chronic disease and has affected millions of people around the world. One of the most common problems associated with diabetes is hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can cause serious problem if left untreated. Hyperglycemia is often the medical term used for high blood glucose sugar. It is mainly caused when our bodies have too little insulin or do not have enough insulin or fail to use the insulin in the right manner. It is necessary that diabetics are aware of the signs of hyperglycemia so that they may take necessary medication to bring blood sugar levels under control.

There are two types of hyperglycemia that occur, fasting hyperglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia. Fasting hyperglycemia is defined as a blood sugar levels greater than 90-130 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) after fasting for at least 8 hours. Postprandial or after-meal hyperglycemia is defined as a blood sugar which is usually greater than 180 mg/dL. Usually among people without diabetes postprandial or post-meal sugars is rarely over 140 mg/dl and after a large meal, may go up to 180 mg/dl for up to 1-2 hour post-meal. However, if the post-meal glucose level is high constantly then that person is at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It’s important to treat the symptoms of hyperglycemia promptly to prevent complications from diabetes. Among the early signs of hyperglycemia in diabetes you may commonly find the following:

Prolonged hyperglycemia in diabetes may result in slow-healing cuts and sores, vaginal and skin infections, decreased vision, nerve damage causing painful cold or insensitive feet, loss of hair on the lower extremities, erectile dysfunction and stomach and intestinal problems such as chronic constipation or diarrhea

Diabetics have to be very careful about their diet and ensure that they maintain healthy blood sugar levels. However, there may be various reasons for hyperglycemia like your tendency to eat more foods than in your diet plan, or usage of lesser amount of oral agents or insulin than required, lack of exercise, surgery, injuries or accidents and failing to take medicines regularly. Among other reasons there may be some emotional stress that you may be undergoing or even physical stress that can be a factor for the spiraling blood sugar levels.Remember that not everyone with diabetes will have all these symptoms. Rather you may even find people with Type 2 diabetes not having any of them. Being hungry frequently is due to the inability of the body to utilize glucose well as an energy source within cells. Though there is glucose circulating in the blood, the cells are unable to absorb it to use as a fuel. As the blood filters through the kidneys, some of the sugar comes out of the blood and is not reabsorbed. This extra sugar causes water molecules to follow and therefore the diabetic urinates frequently. This obviously leads to diabetics frequently feeling thirsty. The body can sense that excess water is lost due to frequent urination and the normal response is thirst signals.Incase of Hyperglycemia you should ensure that you eat less and do not drink any thing that has sugar. Preferably consult your doctor or dietitian if you find it hard to manage your diet. Ensure that you are taking the prescribed medicines properly. Exercising is very important as it helps in reducing blood sugar.